And “Patio” for All?

The seemingly never-ending saga that is the Patio Cafe’s alleged redevelopment continues… Last week, I came across 2 guys at the corner of 18th & Castro drumming up petition signatures as a demonstration of ‘community support’. Their outward goal: to show that the neighborhood wants that space alive again. (Phrased like that, who wouldn’t, eh?) Initially, I was confused and assumed it was to specifically combat the latest tug in the war regarding its permit status. Apparently not. Whatever your personal feelings regarding [Castro land baron] Les Natali are – and trust me, people have strong ones – or his foes for that matter, the fact that this formerly beloved space has been shuttered and essentially abandoned for 6 years is preposterous. If history’s a guide, tomorrow’s Board of Appeals hearing should be every bit the spectacle befitting what’s preceded it.

“Fading” artist rendering of what the the fabled space might ultmately look like, after the jump.

It’s just San Francisco people. What can you expect from a neighborhood where ANY new drinking establishment is specifically NOT allowed and basically two people own every single bar around.
It’s tragic, but its the way people want it.

I agree that it’s ‘tragic’ that practically any new (or newly taken over) bar or restaurant has to be controlled by Les Natali or [the other Castro Land Baron] Greg Bronstein. You would think that SF – especially the Castro – of all places, would cater to more independent ‘pop and pop/mom and mom’ establishments. Pathetically not the case. So instead of unique and colorful, we get generic swanky/upscale boring. Welcome to further West Hollywood blanding of the neighborhood. (Hello Lime, Crave…) If I wanted to feel like I’m in LA … or Dallas, or Atlanta, I’d move there.

Truthfully, I’m resigned to the fact that whatever does take the place of the Patio will be just like The Abbey in WeHo. And while that’s certainly tasteful, that’s exactly the problem. I’m much more a fan of neighborhoody pub/dive/cruisy than over-priced, overly-glossed, stand-and-model. The former is getting a lot harder to come by in this neighborhood.

these are all excellent points — so many places in the castro feel westhollywoodded, like you only go to cruise or be seen. yawn. this is why, when i’m in the neighborhood, my favorite hangout is twin peaks. it’s the only bar in the castro where you can hear your conversation over the music, and where nobody’s trying to impress anyone.

Well, all is not completely lost in the Castro. You’ll still find me *very often* on The Mix patio. Or at 440 (formerly Daddy’s), Moby Dick’s (non-weekend nights) or The Edge (late Sunday afternoons here are really a trip). And sometimes still The Pilsner (which I really love, but it just hasn’t been attracting a big crowd these days it seems. Bummer.)

All those places are still very neighborhoody, mixed crowd and no attitude. (And yes, I really really miss the old Detour. And *not* Les Natali’s sanitized relaunch. How sad.)

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